Chapter 22:
After a breakfast of pancakes and eggs, the group tried to decide their activities. Rangiku and Yumichika had done far too much shopping. Their bags were occupying the room upstairs where Victor and Cedric kept their unused beds. According to Rukia there was barely any room to walk and the door could hardly close. Still, Rangiku insisted it wasn't a lot.
As Ichigo drank from his cup, Linnette suddenly grabbed his arm and the milk sloshed all over his hand and sleeve. "I know, I know! I want to go do stuff in the city with Ichigo!"
"Me?"
"You mean like sightseeing or something?" asked Rukia. "That's a great idea."
"It is?"
"Sure, Ichigo. After all, you haven't been around very much. She's barely done anything with you. You guys should go. It'll be fun."
Rukia had a point. Linnette was very excited to have Ichigo over and he had been neglecting her a bit on account of the Veneno situation. Compared to the rest of the group, Ichigo had barely done a thing with her. He had gone shopping with her and played video games but that was about it. He owed Linnette at least one afternoon of fun and adventure.
He turned to Linnette with a smile. "Sure. It does sound like fun. You'll have to show me around the city."
"We know all the best spots! Right, Victor?"
"The city is large. Can't see everything in one afternoon. We only know all the best places because we've lived here a while."
"Let's get going!" Linnette jumped from her seat and went straight for the door.
"Ho-ho hold it, Linnette." Victor playfully picked her up and held her off the ground over his head. "Not so soon. We should let everyone settle then plan things out."
"I want to go now!" she squirmed in the air.
Victor tossed her straight up and caught her on the way down. "Give us fifteen minutes to get everything situated and we'll go, ok?"
The group planned out who was going and who would stay behind. Byakuya wanted some peace and quiet so he opted to stay at the house. However, the owners of the house would not leave anyone there alone. Either Victor or Cedric would have to stay behind to keep him company and make sure nothing got broken. Rangiku still wanted to go shopping so someone had to make sure she didn't leave the house. Hanataro was nervous about being in the city so he wouldn't go unless someone was with him. Ikkaku was bored being cooped up in the house for days so he was willing to take a look around the city.
In the end, everyone ended up going. Unfortunately, the family only had one car and it wasn't nearly large enough to fit everyone inside. Five at the very most. So Victor called for a van to come to the house to take them to the city. Cedric was the largest of the group and the van was barely big enough for the group as it was so he opted to go into the city his own way, which of course meant hopping from roof to roof and running faster than the blink of an eye. The van pulled away from the house and took them into the city. They were let off in a popular area for tourists. Cedric arrived before they did and was waiting on a bench for them.
From there, everyone started going their separate ways. Linnette's guardians had to split up to keep track of the group. Cedric went with Rangiku, Yumichika, Ikkaku and Byakuya while Victor stayed with Linnette, Ichigo, Rukia and Hanataro.
"Where should we go first?" asked Victor as the others left to do their own thing.
Linnette had several different ideas. She looked around and started pointing at something down the street. The subway. What she wanted to do was further away from where they were now and they would have to take the subway to get there. There was no stopping her so Victor granted her wish.
Ichigo culdn't remember the last time he road a subway, nor if he ever had. In Karakura Town, everyone always walked or road bicycles. Ichigo didn't even know if they had a subway system in his home town. The stairway leading down was filthy and smelled damp with green plants growing out from between the cracks in the stairs and walls. Below was slightly cleaner but it still smelled terrible. All he could smell was concrete, metal, smoke and this persistent dampness. There were crowds of people piled together talking on cell phones, looking at the schedule or just sitting around. A large man passed by Ichigo and he had to hold his breath. The man smelled horrid! Either he was homeless or had never heard of a shower. Even a man who worked at the dump couldn't smelled that bad.
The train pulled up and all the people moved forward. As people started to depart, Ichigo heard several people in hats calling out in another language. They seemed to be selling something from a folding table near the wall. Ignoring them, Ichigo climbed aboard. He sat beside Rukia under a window. Many of the windows were covered up by posters and graffiti. Victor chose to stand by a vertical pole while Linnette restlessly hopped from seat to seat. The car wasn't very crowed so there was plenty of room for her to explore without disturbing too many passengers. She tried to grab onto the handles dangling overhead but couldn't reach them. When she tried to climb on the seat to reach, Victor grabbed her around the middle and set her back on the floor, deeming it was too dangerous. Very few people spoke as the subway train moved quickly through the dark underground tunnels. Many were using their phones, listening to music or reading. Others, like Ichigo, kept to themselves, choosing to people-watch instead.
When the subway came to a stop, people started to leave, including Victor and Linnette. This must have been their stop. Ichigo and Rukia and Hanarao followed. The sun seemed brighter when they returned to the surface. They were just outside a large building with white stone lions perched on either side of a large staircase. People were standing beside the lions getting their pictures taken. Others were sitting on the steps and other people were going inside the building.
"What's that?" Hanataro asked, pointing.
"That's the library," answered Linnette. "We're close by where I wanted to take you. I think you'll like it."
Victor gave them a knowing smile and led the way holding Linnette's hand.
They arrived at a small park were even more people were gathered. Victor passed it by, pointing across the street. That was where they were heading. Several tour buses were letting people off outside the park. This must have been another tourist location.
At the red light, Victor took the group across the street and over to a pair of glass doors. He held them open as the group entered. A guard stood by the door and greeted them kindly. Ichigo looked around. It was a bookstore. But there was something different about this one. They seemed to sell more than just books.
"Ichigo, look!" Rukia pointed to a large pile of books written in a language he could understand. They were manga books! Ichigo looked around. There were T-shirts and bags with animated creatures on them and plush toys and posters everywhere. This must have been an anime store. But there were things on shelves that weren't anime related at all. They were cook books and home improvement books and history books and clothing books and so much more. All of which were Asian related.
Linnette was standing on a small escalator going up to a second floor. "Up here!"
They followed her. Upstairs were even more manga books and DVDs and CDs and toys. There were art books, too. Linnette was dragging Ichigo over to an area which was separated by a small white wall. It was a café. Ichigo approached a table near the register, packaged foods illuminated by small lights. Bento box lunches, sandwiches and even bread. On the top rack at eye level were rice balls. Beside them were sweet buns stuffed with red bean paste. Everything was written in two languages: English and Japanese. He looked at the display case under the register which contained dozens of cakes and pies, some whole, some sliced and waiting on shiny white plates. Strawberry shortcake, just the kind he knew back home with strawberries between the layers and a large piece sitting on top nestled around white cream and dusted with a tiny bit of powdered sugar. There was more. Cherry cake, vanilla cake and chocolate cake. They all looked so delicious. Ichigo turned around to look at the people sitting at the small white tables. They were all Asian and they were all speaking a language he could understand. Half the staff seemed to be Asian as well.
He looked down at Linnette who hadn't taken her eyes off of him, watching his reaction. "I thought you'd like it."
In New York city, he couldn't understand anyone. It was rare to find someone who spoke the same language. The food here was foreign and even the dishes he was familiar with were poor imitations. This was more authentic, plus he could read it. This place made him feel more at home rather than a stranger struggling to understand. Linnette was trying to help him feel more comfortable in the city, showing him a place that was more of what he was used to.
He patted her head, smiling. "Thanks, Linnette. This is great." He started to load his arms up with rice balls and sweet buns and breads. The menu above the register showed even more options. He could get hot miso soup. He chose a slice of chocolate cake instead and picked a table, calling Rukia and Hanataro over. He shared the rice balls with them while keeping the cake all to himself. It was delicious. Linnette sat at the table with them with a piece of strawberry shortcake. Victor stood on the opposite side of the wall, watching them as they ate.
Linnette's efforts were not in vain. After leaving the store Ichigo was feeling more comfortable and wanted to explore more of the city. There was plenty to do. He could worry about everything later. For today he would relax and have some fun. The last time he was in the city on a field trip, he didn't take advantage of his surroundings. This time would be different. It was time for a little vacation. He was always busy either with school or Soul Reaper duties. He barely had time to be a normal teenager. Ichigo made up his mind. He would act like a normal teenager for one afternoon and not think about anything. This was a time to de-stress. He would worry later. Now it was time to have some fun and explore.
He followed the group to the mall a few blocks away. It was the largest mall Ichigo had ever been to. The mall in Karakura Town was decently big, but it was nothing compared to this. The mall back home was only three stories with a food court in the middle outside. This mall was nine stories and stretched over the entire block. Maybe further. Ichigo couldn't tell where it ended there were so many stores around. There were tables and chairs in the middle of the street and venders calling people over to their stands. It was impossible to tell where the street started and ended and where the different shops and buildings separated.
It was difficult getting inside. There were crowds of people standing around and looking at the merchandise. Though there was a food court, there were small food shops inside the clothing departments. Some were fast-food shops and others were sit-down restaurants with table clothes. No matter where he walked, Ichigo could smell bread baking, Chinese food and coffee. Rukia tried on different dresses, buying two of them. Since it was hard for her to find clothes that fit her, Ichigo didn't complain. But as they were leaving she grabbed a pink shirt off the rack and bought it without trying it on. As she stuffed it into her bag Ichigo saw a white rabbit printed on the chest. No wonder she had to have it.
They went to different shops on all the floors but didn't buy too much. Rukia bought a rabbit plush from a toy store and carried it around in her arms like a child. There was an indoor fountain in the mall and Linnette showed Hanataro how to throw coins in. They stopped for ice cream in the food court and sat around a table together. Rukia put her new plush in the seat next to her. Ichigo rolled his eyes. He hoped there were no rabbit-themed stores in the mall. Thankfully there were none.
After the mall, they traveled down a few blocks to Times Square. Everything was lit up in colorful lights and the signs kept changing. Rukia was curious about the theater but they didn't have time to take in a show. With the long line, it would be hours before they could get a seat anyway. There were even more shops they kept popping in and out of. There were street performers on every block and Ichigo and the others stopped to watch. There were people painted like the Statue of Liberty standing perfectly still until someone came close and moved, startling them. Hanataro was so surprised, he backed into Ichigo, stepping on his feet while the girls laughed. Linnette and Hanataro got a caricature together, then Rukia and Ichigo got one together. The artist drew them holding hands on the beach at sunset with hearts around their heads. Both Rukia and Linnette had to stop Ichigo from shredding it.
Next they went to the docks for a boat ride. It sounded like a peaceful, slow ride when Ichigo heard the news. Actually, it was a speedboat ride with dozens of other people. Since they were the last group to arrive they had to sit in the back. There was only room for four people so Victor stayed behind. The fact that he trusted Linnette to be in their care said a lot. As the engine turned over, the man at the wheel said something over the speaker Ichigo and the two Soul Reapers couldn't understand.
"What'd he say?"
Linnette turned to them, giggling. "He said the further back you are, the more you're gonna get wet."
Ichigo looked behind him, seeing the propeller rotating behind forming bubbles in the dark water. They were in the very last seat way in the back. "Oh, great."
The boat pulled away from the dock slowly. Linnette waved to Victor who waved back from the edge of the dock, keeping an eye on their bags. Suddenly the boat took off, gaining speed. Water splashed them in the face and chest. Ichigo didn't mind. It felt good. The boat bounced over waves and the wind blew his hair back. Linnette reached over the edge to touch the waves as they sailed over the water. Ichigo didn't want her to hurt herself so he didn't let her reach too far. She wasn't able to touch the water, but she was able to feel the heavy spray of salt water as the boat sped over the waves. Other passengers were doing it, too, so they decided to give it a try. Hanataro leaned over Rukia's lap to reach over the edge. Ichigo had the longest reach so he stretched behind Rukia's shoulders to do the same. He sat on his knees to get closer. The water slapped his hand as they rode by. The spray of the water felt like tiny stones hitting his palm. It stung a little but he liked it.
The boat slowed to a stop in the middle of the water and turned so everyone could see the island from afar. Cameras started snapping and people were posing. Water trickled down Ichigo's neck and fell from his damp hair. Now that they were stopped, Linnette leaned over the edge of the boat, slapping at the water with her hand while Hanataro and Rukia held onto her so she wouldn't fall in. She was soaking wet. So were the others. Ichigo looked down at his damp clothes sticking to his body. A camera clicked and he looked up, catching a young girl taking a picture of him. She could see his well-toned body through his wet shirt and couldn't resist. He chose to ignore it and looked at the island which looked like it was floating on the waves. There were other boats sailing by and on the other side of the bridge were even more, but they didn't look like tourist boats.
Everyone went back to their seats and the boat started back toward the island. Once again, water sprayed him in the face. He licked his lips, tasting the salt. The boat pulled up to the dock and the passengers started to depart. Soaking wet, everyone stepped off. Victor smiled at them, not surprised in the slightest that this happened. "Have fun?" he asked.
Rukia wrung out her shirt on the wooden dock. "It was great. Too bad we're all wet now."
"You'll dry." Victor held out her bag. "At least you bought a spare shirt."
She may have had something to wear but the others didn't. Ichigo didn't want to tromp through the city sopping wet.
Linnette had another idea. She pushed Ichigo's back toward another store. Ichigo tried on different outfits in the changing booth until he found one he liked. Hanataro bought a new outfit, too, and so did Linnette.
Victor kissed her forehead as they rung up their purchases. "You just needed an excuse for me to buy you a new dress. Clever little princess." Linnette just grinned.
From there it was more sightseeing. They doubled back through a lot, this time noticing things they hadn't before. Hanataro seemed wary as well as fascinated by a large bronze bull in the middle of the street. Many people were getting their pictures taken by it. "It's not gonna hurt you. It's just a statue," Rukia said to him.
"I- I know that." He was still giving it nervous looks.
They went to Central Park next. Hanataro jumped back when he saw the horse-drawn carriages by the side of the street. Rangiku said she had gone on one of those a few days ago. It looked inviting. While Linnette patted the horse, Victor talked to the man holding the reigns. Then Victor told them that there would be enough room for all of them inside. Linnette went in first and the others followed. The carriage started moving. It turned in to the park and started going down a long path through the trees. Sitting on the end, Ichigo was able to see everything they passed. He saw people playing chess, chasing each other in the grass, climbing rocks and people just sitting around doing nothing.
There was something familiar about this place but Ichigo just couldn't pin-point it. Then it hit him. Back when he had first met Linnette, she was doing a performance in this very park. Just a short distance away from where they were now was where the stage was set and where the humans started to turn into Hollows. How could he forget? He looked across the carriage at the young girl pointing at different things as they went by and laughing with Rukia. Ichigo grinned. The past was the past. Things had changed for the better. Linnette was doing better now. Everything had worked out.
They had come so far from back then and it really wasn't that long ago. He wondered if things could change for Veneno, too. Linnette was able to move on after a few months, even through all the pain and suffering she had been through for so many years. Years of damage forgotten in a few months. Maybe not forgotten. At least she was able to push it aside and move on from there. Veneno was damaged over the years very much like Linnette, but it didn't break her. Maybe it would work out for Veneno, too, if he was willing to give it a try.
Ichigo mentally slapped himself. This was no time to think about such things. This was his time to relax and forget about it. He could have fun for one afternoon and be a normal teenaged boy.
After a relaxing ride through the park, the group set out on a new adventure. They looked at street art and walked with people dressed in fluffy customs depicting popular cartoon characters. They looked at different stands on the sidewalk and Linnette fed the birds with Hanataro. Ichigo bought himself a new watch and ate the biggest hotdog he had ever seen.
They went to the Wax Museum where the likeness of famous people were sculpted out of wax. They were all life-size and very realistic, standing throughout the museum. Ichigo thought they were a little creepy. The likeness was correct down to the tiniest detail. Even the eyes looked real. The eyes weren't sculpted at all. Ichigo couldn't tell if they were made of glass or some other material, but they looked like real human eyes. Hanataro refused to get anywhere near them.
Now late afternoon, it was time to get something to eat. Of course they had to take in some junk food first as long as they were there. They split a funnel cake and a large strawberry and chocolate crape. After that they went on to different venders, buying hamburgers, large pretzels, pulled pork sandwiches and some Mexican dish Ichigo couldn't figure out. He knew it wasn't a taco. Whatever it was, it was good.
There was so much to do in the city. Rukia still expressed an interest in seeing a Broadway show but they didn't have the time to do so. So instead she settled for more sightseeing. This time, Rukia had a different method of doing so: the tram.
It was a shakier route over the East River, but very exciting. Riders got an incredible view from over seventy-meters above the ground. The tram started to cross the river and passengers started clicking away with their cameras. Linnette climbed onto one of the seats to look out the window, Victor standing close by. Ichigo was used to high views when in his Soul Reaper form, but even he was staring open-mouthed out the window at the city slowly moving before his eyes. From far away, New York city looked just as large as it did small. The buildings were tall and seemed to stretch on for miles, making it look enormous. At the same time, the buildings so closely packed together floating on the river made it seem smaller than it really was. Ichigo was surprised that such a contradiction could make perfect sense.
"It's beautiful, isn't it?" Rukia asked, standing close by.
"Yeah."
Rukia grinned, looking out over the water. "This was a good day, wasn't it? I hope the others are having fun, too."
"Knowing that group, Cedric has his work cut out for him. I'd be surprised if he isn't pulling his hair out as we speak."
Rukia giggled. "Either way."
Hanataro gripped the back of the seats as he looked out the window at the water below. They were getting closer to the other side. Linnette called him over to her side of the cabin and pointed. Ichigo and Rukia stayed where they were and watched over their shoulders. They had now entered the city. The skyscrapers passed them by, showing their reflection in the tinted windows. The sky reflected off the buildings and the steel cables caused the passengers to squint. It was an amazing sight. Passing between the buildings in the big city made Ichigo feel small yet comfortable. It was a peaceful ride.
"What do you think?"
"Huh?" Ichigo wasn't sure how long Rukia had been speaking to him. Next thing he knew, she was looking up at him.
"What should we do after this?"
"You haven't had enough yet?"
A woman passed behind her causing Rukia to move closer to get out of her way. He felt her thin boots knock lightly against his sneakers. "The city is big and I know there's no way we'll see it all. I was just curious if there was anything you had your heart set on before we head back. It'll be dinner time soon."
Ichigo hadn't thought about what he wanted to do after this. He was feeling pretty tired after this trip into the city. It was a whirlwind of a day. Right now what he really wanted to do was go back to the house and rest.
"I would like to head back soon. Victor probably wants to get Linnette home." That was his excuse. He didn't want to tell Rukia he was feeling tired. She might tease him about it. Besides, he couldn't think of anything else to do.
"Yeah." Rukia let out a deep breath. "This seems like a perfect way to end our trip out. Now we've seen the city up and down."
It was a joke but Ichigo didn't laugh. His mind was somewhere else.
Suddenly the tram jerked and Ichigo lurched forward along with Rukia. Briefly, they clasped hands, both looking to steady themselves. Ichigo turned around and saw people starting to file out of the cabin. Their ride had ended.
"Ok, let's get going." Victor guided Linnette and Hanataro toward the door.
Ichigo started to follow when he realized he was still holding onto Rukia's hand. He quickly let go and avoided her eyes, embarrassed.
While Linnette got a quick snack at a nearby vendor, Rukia looked up and down the street. "Where are we supposed to meet up with the others?"
"It's not too far," said Victor. "We can walk from here."
Linnette came up to them holding something in her hands. She handed Ichigo and Rukia a corn-dog and then gave the last one to Hanataro. Ichigo thanked her and took a bite. It was a little greasy but delicious.
They walked up several blocks to get to their meeting point. It was difficult to keep up in a crowd but somehow they managed to stay together. Though Victor said it wasn't 'too far', Ichigo found himself walking to the next ten blocks. He kept his complaints to himself. Finally they stopped at a wide sidewalk and stood under a lamppost. Linnette spotted something nearby and took off, sticking her hand into her pocket. Ichigo kept an eye on her as she zipped through the crowd and over to another food truck. She came back a minute later with three tall cups with spoons and straws.
Victor shook his head with a weary smile. "Linnette, sweetie... you'll spoil your dinner."
"It's not for me." She handed Ichigo and Rukia two of the cups. The last one she gave to Hanataro.
He looked at it, unsure. "What is it?"
"A root-beer float."
Rukia grinned. "I've had this before. They're good." She started slurping hers happily.
Hanataro sipped through the straw and shut his eyes. "It makes my nose feel funny."
"Must be the bubbles from the soda."
It had been a while since he had a root-beer float. Ichigo was happy to have one in his hands right when he needed it. All that walking had made him thirsty. The ice cream was sweet and creamy which had turned the soda creamy as well. It was delicious.
"There they are! Hi!"
The others had arrived from across the street. Rukia went up to her brother to ask how his outing went. Rangiku went over to Ichigo, seeing the cup in his hands. "It's a root-beer float," he explained.
"Ooh! Sounds fantastic!" She clapped her hands together. "Guess what? I found this ice cream place in the city that makes a sundae made out of gold!"
"No way. I'm sure you're mistaken. Must have been something that looked like it."
"Actually, she's correct," Victor said. "There's a shop in the city that has a special ice cream made with edible gold."
"Really?"
He nodded. "They're very expensive, though. Just one of those sundaes costs $1,000."
"Holy crap! I hope it's worth its weight in gold."
"They wouldn't make one for me, though," Rangiku pouted.
"Maybe you didn't have enough cash."
"You also need to call ahead and make a reservation 48 hours in advance," Victor added.
"That explains it."
Ichigo dipped the plastic spoon into his cup, fishing out the vanilla ice cream. "I bet Byakuya could afford it."
"I don't care for sweets," the Captain said simply. He must have been listening to their entire conversation. "There are nice cafes in this city, however, that I did find enjoyable."
"That's wonderful, brother."
Ichigo looked out the corner of his eye at Cedric. He expected him to look more stressed than he was. Not a hair out of place. "So how was it for you?"
Cedric frowned. "I never get tired... but after escorting them around for the afternoon, I'm exhausted."
Ichigo knew it.
"One wants to go one way, the other wants to go over there. This one wants to go shopping, this one wants to eat, this one wants to find a quiet place, this one wants a little action. This one doesn't want to walk, this one wants to, the other has too much energy. That one doesn't like the food here and prefers the one on the other side of the city. This one has an attitude, this one has a temper, this one whines, this one complains constantly, this one begs and flirts. Everyone screams at each other, there are constant complaints..."
Ichigo knew he shouldn't be laughing, but he couldn't help a few chuckles here and there. He had a feeling this would happen.
"Even with all my abilities, I cannot keep my eye on all of them at once. Even with my speed, I cannot keep up with them. More than once we split up and went different ways."
Rangiku spotted something across the street. "Oh, I have an idea. Why don't we-?"
"No." Cedric had had enough.
"You didn't let me finish."
Ikkaku tapped Cedric on the shoulder with his wooden sword. "Hey, you. I-"
"Ikkaku," Yumichika warned. "The man has a name. You don't want to piss him off, now do you?"
"It's a little late for that," Ichigo muttered seeing the look on Cedric's face.
"What? I'm not bothering him."
"Ok, that's it." Cedric pointed from Ikkaku to Yumichika then to Rangiku and finally at Byakuya. "You, be quiet and stop poking me with that. You, stop complaining. You, no more shopping and I don't care how many buttons you undo. And you, you're the only one who isn't pissing me off."
"So out of all of them, Byakuya's the one not pissing him off? Imagine that." Ichigo finished off the rest of his float and threw the cup away in a trashcan. His hands were freezing so he had to stuff them into his pockets.
The large group headed home the same way they entered the city: in a large van. Cedric headed home by himself, most likely to blow off a little steam after his outing with his half of the group. Linnette was talking a mile a minute with Rangiku, telling each other about their day in the city. Hanataro sat quietly in his seat looking out the window at the passing buildings. Rukia sat beside her brother asking him only a couple of questions and staying quiet the remainder of the time. Byakuya wasn't very talkative, but he did tell her about his afternoon. Leaving out most of the details, Byakuya finished telling her his day in only a couple short minutes. Yumichika and Ikkaku would stay quiet for a few minutes then start talking and more than once Ikkaku leaned over the back of the seat to yell at Rangiku for something.
Ichigo didn't talk to anyone and instead sat in his seat listening to everyone else. He spent the ride back to the house looking out his window. As the ride continued, Ichigo began to notice his head bobbing up and down as he began to nod off. He sat up in his seat, shaking his head. It was a busy day but Ichigo didn't think he was that tired. He tried to stay awake which was difficult to do. The smooth, rhythmic ride back coupled with the white noise around him wasn't helping. Not to mention his full stomach and his tired legs. He didn't feel like moving. His eyes started to droop more. He couldn't fight it off for much longer. The conversations in the van began to quiet and Ichigo found himself picking his head up more often. He finally rested his head on the back of his seat and closed his eyes, giving into the soft darkness.
"Look alive, King!"
"What? What? I'm awake!" Ichigo sprang up opening his eyes as wide as he could.
His white reflection smile back at him, crouching by his feet. "There you are," he said in a mocking tone. "I thought you were gonna sleep forever, Your Majesty. But I knew you couldn't stay away for long."
Ichigo knew at once where he was without having to look at the sideways skyscrapers. He was in his Inner World.
"Something the matter, King?"
He knew his Hollow wasn't really concerned. Even his tone was mocking, not even bothering to fake an interest. "I'm fine. I just had a long day of sightseeing. That's all."
"Those clouds say different." His Hollow pointed up to the sky with his finger. Two dark clouds were rolling in settling among the lighter grey ones. "You're stressing about something and I think I know what that is."
"You don't care. You just want to mock me."
"True. But what happens to you is my concern. We share this body after all. And one day I will take it over and make it my own and I want to make sure nothing happens to it."
Ichigo turned away, wondering where Zangetsu was hiding. He hadn't seen him yet.
"It's about that stupid Arrancar guy, isn't it? No point in hiding it. I know what you're thinking. I am a part of you after all." His Hollow sat cross-legged in front of him. "If that Arrancar continues to bother you, kill him. He's not worth the trouble."
Ichigo glared at him. "He's not a waste of time. I'm trying to help him."
"What's the point if he doesn't want it? He's not willing to take it."
"He's afraid of Soul Reapers and given his past I can't blame him."
"Same sob story I've heard before. Soul Reapers tortured him and blah blah blah. He needs to get over it."
"I'm trying to help him do that," Ichigo argued. "I've been trying to help him move on and show him that they can get along and that things don't have to be like the way they were before."
"And if he goes on a rampage again? I know that's what you're afraid of. Might as well waste him now to avoid the whole thing. There are some people you just can't convince. I'm just saying that it'll save you a lot of problems in the long run. He's not worth all this trouble."
"Don't say that. He's just scared. I know it can be a pain but I'm not giving up on him. I refuse to let things go down the way they did before. He's not worthless. He thinks no one cares but I do. I care what happens to him."
The white doppelganger started clapping his hands, laughing. "Isn't that sweet? King's got himself a boyfriend! Ha!"
"You know that's not it! Far from it! I would stick my neck out for any of my friends and I have. This is no different from the time I risked my life to save Rukia from being executed or when I rescued Orihime."
"No difference except for the gender..."
"I don't care. What's wrong with showing a little compassion for someone else? Man or woman? Who cares?"
"You're wasting your time with this guy," his Hollow growled. "There's no point wasting your time on some guy who's beyond help. He's too far gone. He's a lost cause. Don't bother with him. Trust me. You'll be a lot happier. No one will miss him."
"Here I thought you'd have a little more understanding for a being who's a Hollow just like you."
"I'm better than your average Hollow," he snorted. "He's nothing like me and you know it. What you need to get through your thick skull is the fact that you can't help this guy. He isn't even willing to help himself. He's a waste of your time. Don't bother. It's pointless to try."
Ichigo should have been angrier but a part of him had doubts. Maybe his Hollow was right and Veneno wouldn't change after all. Maybe the past would repeat itself. Anything could push him over the edge. However, Veneno did appear to be trying. He hadn't attacked anyone yet. He seemed to be trying to give Soul Reapers a chance. He even lowered his sword to Ichigo and listened to him. He wasn't a waste of time. Ichigo decided to see it through to the end.
Then a thought occurred to him. If this was really how his Hollow thought...
"What about Linnette?"
His reflection's gold eyes flashed.
"Given her past and the things she had done, why should I give her a chance? In fact, why don't I kill her right now to prevent her from anything she may do in the future? Save everyone a lot of trouble."
Of course he didn't mean it, but he got the reaction he wanted from his Hollow.
"You can't!" he cried, lurching forward. "Don't you dare take her away from me! I won't let you!"
"What makes her different from him? They're essentially the same."
"She's mine! I need her! I..! I..." His Hollow appeared confused. He wasn't doubting himself. He just wasn't sure how he felt. Part of Ichigo wondered if he even knew how to say the word 'love'. Was his Hollow capable of feeling such a thing? He may have been feeling compassion without even realizing it. He truly did care for Linnette.
Ichigo gave him a teasing grin.
"What's with that look?!" he demanded.
"It's nothing." Ichigo sighed, looking at the building hanging over his head. "I don't care what you say. I'm helping him. It's his choice in the end but there's nothing stopping me from helping him reach that answer. I'd sooner given up on him when you give up on Linnette."
The expression on his Hollow's face looked like that of a dog looking up at his master. It wasn't his usual look of insanity or fury. Ichigo was satisfied with that. He was satisfied with a lot at this moment. Linnette wasn't a lost cause and neither was Veneno. No matter what he wouldn't give up on him. If Veneno decided to unleash his wrath upon the Soul Reapers then Ichigo would have to deal with that. Until Veneno made a move, he wouldn't do anything. It was Veneno's choice in the end. Ichigo just hoped he would make the right one.
Ichigo felt his body being lifted up and moved onto something large and firm, like a muscular shoulder. His eyes snapped open and looked Cedric square in the eye. He was carrying him. From the look of things, Cedric had taken him out of the van and was getting ready to carry him into the house. "What do you think you're doing? Put me down!" The last thing he wanted was to be carried into the house like a small child.
"Sorry. You were asleep and I didn't want to disturb you."
"Put me down now!"
Cedric set Ichigo down in the driveway. Ichigo brushed himself off, feeling embarrassed. He hoped no one had seen him in that position. When he looked back at the van, he saw Rangiku giggling and knew she had seen it.
Everyone started to climb out of the van one by one. Ikkaku, Yumichika and Hanataro got stuck, all trying to get out at the same time. The larger two Soul Reapers shoved Hanataro out of their way and he landed beside the tire. Before he could get up, Ikkaku jumped on his back. Yumichika flattened him next. Linnette hurried out of the van to help him along with Rukia. Rangiku started to scold the two men for stepping on Hanataro while she stood on his hand.
"M- Miss Matsumoto..! Please..! My hand..!"
"Whoops! Sorry about that."
Ichigo stretched, glad to be out of the van. It was a fun day but he was glad it was over. He wanted to rest for a bit. Everyone went into the house, dropping their purchases by the door. Thankfully Rangiku hadn't bought that much; only a few pairs of shoes and some jewelry. Victor decided to hold off on preparing dinner since so many of them had already eaten. Rangiku and Rukia opened their shopping bags to show off their new items. Rukia was very proud of her new rabbit merchandise and didn't try hiding it. Byakuya had bought a few things as well but wasn't showing them off. He kept all of his belongings in a single shopping bag which he placed beside an armchair. Ichigo was a bit curious about what the captain had purchased in the city.
Ichigo went straight to the couch in the den and sat down. Just as his hands grasped the remote, a beeping sound came from the other room. He peered over the arm of the couch to look into the kitchen. Byakuya was clutching something in his hand and started to talk into it. He quickly moved into the next room for a more private conversation. Everyone went about their business until Byakuya returned. He went straight to the den and stood beside the couch, extending something that looked like a cell phone to Ichigo.
"It's for you."
"Me?" Ichigo stood up. "Who is it?"
"Akon from Research and Development."
Ichigo's heart sank. If Akon was calling it couldn't have been good news. He tried to remain calm. "Did he say what it was about?"
"He just said that he needed to speak with you right away. It's a private matter."
Everything had gotten quiet. Everyone was staring at him. Ichigo tried to ignore them and took the device from Byakuya. "Uh... hello?"
"Ichigo! You have to come back right now. Hurry up."
Akon's voice didn't sound panicked but he did sound frustrated. "What is it? What's the matter?"
"It's Veneno."
Ichigo's heart sank again. He knew it.
"He won't come out of his room."
Ichigo's heart felt a little lighter. It wasn't as bad as he thought. At least, it didn't sound too bad. "What do you mean?"
"What does it sound like? I said he won't come out of his room. I can't get him to open the door or anything."
"So? Leave him there. If he doesn't want to come out then let him stay there." Ichigo didn't see any issue with this. He was afraid Veneno had started attacking people again.
"Are you hearing me, Ichigo? I said he won't come out. He can't stay in there. I don't need him causing a scene. I'm not allowed to go to the lab without him. We need him to come out."
Ichigo sighed. It didn't seem to be that bad but Akon seemed to know different. Apparently there was more to this than Akon wanted to say. "Have you tried talking to him? Ask him what's wrong. If you talk to him gently I'm sure he'll-"
"He wants you."
Ichigo was taken aback by this. "What?"
"He keeps asking for you. He won't come out for anyone else. That's why I need you to come here as soon as you can. Maybe you can talk some sense into him."
Veneno wanted him? Ichigo couldn't help feeling a little humbled by this. Veneno had truly connected with Ichigo. He trusted him. The fact that he wouldn't come out for anyone else proved this. However, he needed Veneno to feel the same way for other people and not just him. Now Ichigo felt obligated to come. He would prove to Veneno that he would be there for him and help hm through a difficult situation and not abandon him. He also had to help Veneno feel more comfortable around other Soul Reapers again. He had to make sure Veneno was able to handle this. Knowing that Veneno trusted him made Ichigo feel happy as well as annoyed. This was far from over. Veneno still needed him which meant more running around.
"Alright, alright. I'll be there. Just hang on a minute, ok?"
"Hurry up! I'm not actually supposed to be talking to you right now. Get a move on, Ichigo. Get here quick."
Ichigo handed the device back to Byakuya, sighing. "Akon wants me to-"
"I know. You have to go to the Soul Society." Byakuya put the device away in his jacket. "He made that quite clear. Not to mention your responses."
That's right. Byakuya was standing right beside him listening to half of the conversation.
Ichigo nodded. He took out his badge. "I guess I'll be back soon."
"Wait a minute!" Rukia stood up from the chair in the next room. "What did Akon want? Why do you have to go to the Soul Society? I want to know what's going on."
"It's none of your business," Ichigo told her.
"None of my business? I think-"
"Rukia," Byakuya said firmly. "If Akon wanted to speak with Ichigo privately, it means that it isn't any of our business. He clearly does not wish for us to know what's going on. This is between the two of them. It's best if we all stay out of it. You shouldn't ask questions."
She looked down. "Sorry, brother. You're right," she said in a small voice.
Victor continued peeling apples in the kitchen, listening while his brother watched from the sink. Both were reading the conversation in silence. Within a few moments, they had it all figured out. Rukia clearly idealized her brother which was why her tone changed so rapidly and she became so submissive. She had the utmost respect for him. Meanwhile, Byakuya had told her that it was none of their business and they had no right to interfere. From their point of view, Byakuya was saying this because he was keeping secrets from the group as well. He didn't want someone to pry into his private business. He seemed to have a mutual understanding for what Ichigo was having to go through at the moment. His matters were kept a secret the same way Ichigo's were. They both had their reasons.
Ichigo left his body on the couch and started to leave. He glanced over at Linnette who was watching him leave with her own eyes. Ichigo had been leaving all week long, only this time she was around to see it. He gave her a sad smile, showing her that he didn't want to leave. He simply had no choice. "Sorry about this. I'll be back soon. I just have to take care of this real quick, ok?"
She nodded. "We had fun today, right?"
They had already spent the day together so Linnette was much more willing to see him leave. He nodded, giving her a bigger grin. They both knew this had to be done.
At least he had one afternoon of fun. Knew that wouldn't last.
Anyways, please review! ^-^